Music Department Welcomes Haitian Cellist Fanord as Visiting Scholar

Ms. Fabienne Fanord, a survivor of the January 12 earthquake in Haiti, arrived in Indiana on February 8 to pursue her professional development during the 2010 Spring semester. She will perform in the IUP String Ensemble Concert on March 30, 2010 at 8:00 p.m. in Gorell Hall on the IUP campus.

Ms. Fanord has been a cello teacher and member of the orchestra at l’ École de Musique Ste Trinité in Port au Prince, the musical center of Haiti. Ms. Fanord has also served as the main cello teacher at l’École de Musique Dessaix-Baptiste in Jacmel, a city on the southern coast. In Fall 2008, Ms. Fanord, hosted by Music Department faculty member Dr. Linda Jennings, furthered her professional development through studying cello, observing string education classes, and participating in the IUP Symphony Orchestra and IUP Cello Choir. Ms. Fanord also participated in the IUP String Project, a community string music education outreach program, as well as a teacher training program for IUP music students. Ms. Fanord will continue her musical and pedagogical studies this semester at IUP as a visiting scholar as well as participating in performances of the Johnstown Symphony Orchestra.

Ms. Fanord became acquainted with Dr. Jennings during visits to Jacmel, Haiti, in the summers where Dr. Jennings has volunteered to teach at a music camp sponsored by l’École de Musique Dessaix-Baptiste, one of the few music schools in Haiti for young musicians. With the support of IUP College of Fine Arts Dean Michael Hood, Music Department Chair Jack Stamp, and Michele Petrucci and the Office of International Education, Dr. Jennings organized a professional visit to IUP in 2008 as well as her current visit. Studying at IUP affords Ms. Fanord the opportunity to learn about string music education techniques in the U.S. and bring these ideas back to her students. Ms. Fanord will be hosted by Dr. Jennings and Dr. Mary Hastings during this visit.

Despite the tragedy of the earthquake and losing several family members, Ms. Fanord arrived in Miami in good health on January 25.

Ms. Fanord will perform in the IUP String Ensemble Concert on March 30 at 8:00 p.m. in Gorell Hall on the IUP campus. This program will serve as a benefit to raise funds for the musicians and music programs of l’École de Musique Dessaix-Baptiste and l’ École de Musique Ste Trinité. The Music School of Ste Trinite completely collapsed in the earthquake, although the music school in Jacmel is still standing, but damaged.

Thanks to all those in the IUP community who have helped make a smooth transition for Ms. Fanord to IUP!